Committee on NGOs

31^st Meeting (AM)

Having Recommended 129 Non-Governmental Organizations for Consultative Status

 

With Economic and Social Council, Committee Concludes Resumed Session

 

Wrapping up its resumed 2012 session this morning, the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations adopted its draft 2012 report and took action on outstanding matters.

Of the 281 applications it considered during the two-week session held at Headquarters from 21 to 30 May, the Committee recommended that 129 — less than half — be granted consultative status with the Economic and Social Council.  It also called for deferring consideration of another 130 to the Committee’s 2013 session, closing consideration without prejudice of 22 for failing to respond to reminders over two consecutive sessions, and reclassifying the consultative status of one of the five organizations requesting that change.  It further asked the Council to note the Committee’s recommendation of the name change of seven organizations and of the quadrennial reports of 151. 

Those and other recommendations to the Economic and Social Council were outlined in eight draft resolutions in the Committee’s report (document E/2012/32 Part II), which was introduced by Committee Rapporteur Yoni Ish-Hurwitz (Israel).  He said its enclosed text was a balanced and faithful presentation of the Committee’s deliberations.  The report as a whole was a product of the Committee’s joint efforts.

In its work, the 19-member Committee recommends civil society groups for general, special or roster status with the Council, based on criteria including the applicant’s mandate, governance and financial regime.  Organizations enjoying general and special status can attend Council meetings and circulate statements, while those with general status can, in addition, address meetings and propose agenda items.  Roster-status organizations can only attend meetings.  Groups with general and special status must also submit a report every four years.

Maria Pavlova Tzotzorkova (Bulgaria), Committee Chair, recalled that, on 25 May, the Committee had taken note of the late submission of the quadrennial reports of seven organizations.  Since then, the following six had submitted their quadrennial reports:  China Great Wall Society, China Green Foundation, International Confederation for Family Support, Maryam Ghasemi Educational Charity Institute, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and Singamma Sreenivasan Foundation.  

The Committee decided to consider all 13 quadrennial reports during its 2013 regular session.

Ms. Pavlova said that while the results of the session were satisfactory, the Committee should keep an eye on the work ahead.  Considering the increasing workload, delegates should continue holding consultations between the Committee’s sessions and present suggestions to carry out tasks in a more cost-effective, sustainable way.

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For information media • not an official record